Keep A Breast Treasured Chest Program

The Keep A Breast Foundation’s Treasured Chest program strives to give women whom are newly diagnosed with breast cancer a unique opportunity to document their body and their feelings at a specific time in their treatment by turning their casted torso into a beautiful piece of art. The Keep A Breast Foundation Breast Casts™ are part of KAB’s unique education and support programs that harness the power of art and artistic expression to communicate complex feelings and thoughts about health, the female form and ultimately about breast cancer.

This non-invasive breast casting program is done by placing strips of gauze that have been impregnated with plaster and dipped in warm water directly on the body. Combining sculpture, philanthropy, and symbolic artistry, the one-of-a-kind plaster forms of the female torso are customized by artists and given back to the castee to document a specific point in the breast cancer journey.

“It is the most valuable possession I have. Because it’s representative not just of what my body used to be like, but of that transformation. And, I’m so proud of that transformation. From that day being so scared, and being bald, and to the woman I am today and all the things that happened during that time.” Allison Briggs, 4 year survivor, diagnosed at age 26

Newly diagnosed women may be facing a dramatic change to their female form resulting in the loss of a breast (mastectomy), partial removal of a breast (lumpectomy) or shrinkage of a breast caused by radiation. The psychological changes that accompany a breast cancer diagnosis are just as important as possible physical changes. Others who are diagnosed with breast cancer will not have these procedures and the program is also designed to support these women.

“I keep my cast on display in my home and I view it with pride and gratitude. Although I am still coming to terms with the loss of breasts, my cast is a powerful symbol of this transformation. It reminds me to focus on the positives of my experience and to feel love for myself, my body, and my family and friends.“

Keep A Breast would like to invite newly diagnosed women to take part in this unique support program. To learn about our casting events at participating San Diego County Spa locations or to receive a kit to be casted in the privacy of your home please email missnixon@keep-a-breast.org

Co-Founder Shaney jo Darden & Allison Briggs, 4 year survivor, diagnosed at age 26 in TNT’s Dramatic Difference Spot